Routine annual influenza vaccination is recommended for all persons aged ≥6 months who do not have contraindications. For the 2016–17 influenza season, inactivated influenza vaccines (IIVs) will be available in both trivalent (IIV3) and quadrivalent (IIV4) formulations. Recombinant influenza vaccine (RIV) will be available in a trivalent formulation (RIV3). In light of concerns regarding low effectiveness against influenza A(H1N1)pdm09 in the United States during the 2013–14 and 2015–16 seasons, for the 2016–17 season, ACIP makes the interim recommendation that live attenuated influenza vaccine (LAIV4) should not be used. Vaccine virus strains included in the 2016–17 U.S. trivalent influenza vaccines will be an A/California/7/2009 (H1N1)–like virus, an A/Hong Kong/4801/2014 (H3N2)-like virus, and a B/Brisbane/60/2008–like virus (Victoria lineage). Quadrivalent vaccines will include an additional influenza B virus strain, a B/Phuket/3073/2013-like virus (Yamagata lineage).

Recommendations for use of different vaccine types and specific populations are discussed. A licensed, age-appropriate vaccine should be used. No preferential recommendation is made for one influenza vaccine product over another for persons for whom more than one licensed, recommended product is otherwise appropriate.

Changes to the IIV screening questionnaire were made only on page two and include revision of recommendations for vaccination of people with egg allergy, and clarification of oculorespiratory syndrome as a non-allergic response to IIV.

Changes to the screening questionnaire for LAIV include a box inserted at the top of page one noting the use of LAIV is not recommended by ACIP for the 2016-17 vaccination season, on page two, a statement about the revision of recommendations for vaccination of people with egg allergy, and also on page two, the addition of the antiviral peramivir as a precaution to LAIV.

ACIP votes down use of LAIV for 2016–17 influenza seasonCDC News Release (06/22/16)

The live attenuated influenza vaccine (LAIV) should not be used in the 2016–17 influenza season, CDC's Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) said Wednesday... Read More

CDC Confirms that the Influenza VISs Will Remain the Same for the 2016–17 Influenza Season

CDC Confirms that the Influenza VISs Will Remain the Same for the 2016–17 Influenza Season CDC has confirmed that the influenza Vaccine Information Statements (VISs) will remain the same for the 2016–2017 influenza season. Healthcare providers do not need to wait for new publications of influenza VISs as they have in previous years.

The content in the existing influenza VISs was designed to remain valid for multiple years. Even with changes to the 2016–2017 influenza recommendations (for example, regarding egg allergy or LAIV use), the current VISs are still accurate. You can access all influenza VISs, including translations, from IAC's website at www.immunize.org/vis.

Seasonal Influenza Vaccination Resources for Health Professionals

The most current information for health care professionals regarding influenza vaccine recommendations (including persons with egg allergy), vaccine supply, and recommendations for using antiviral agents for influenza can be found on the CDC website at www.cdc.gov/flu/professionals/vaccination/index/htm.

CDC publishes updated ACIP recommendations regarding the intervals between PCV13 and PPSV23 vaccines for use in immunocompetent adults age 65 years and older

On June 25, 2015, ACIP changed the recommended interval between PCV13 followed by PPSV23 (PCV13–PPSV23 sequence) from 6–12 months to ≥1 year for immunocompetent adults aged ≥65 years. Recommended intervals for all other age and risk groups remain unchanged. The report outlines the rationale for this change and summarizes the evidence considered by ACIP to make this recommendation. The "Summary" section is reprinted below in its entirety.

Summary: What is currently recommended? The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) currently recommends that both 13-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV13) and 23-valent pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine (PPSV23) be given to all immunocompetent adults aged ≥65 years. ACIP recommends that PCV13 be given first followed by PPSV23 6–12 months later. ACIP also recommends that adults aged ≥65 years who already received a dose of PPSV23, should also receive a dose of PCV13 ≥1 year after the dose of PPSV23. Among persons aged ≥2 years with medical indications to receive both PCV13 and PPSV23 in a series, including adults aged ≥65 years with immunocompromising conditions, functional or anatomic asplenia, cochlear implants, or cerebrospinal fluid leaks, a dose of PPSV23 should be given ≥8 weeks after a dose of PCV13.

Why are the recommendations being modified now? To simplify the recommendations for PCV13 and PPSV23 use among immunocompetent adults aged ≥65 years, ACIP recommended harmonization of recommended intervals between PCV13 and PPSV23 regardless of the order in which the two vaccines are given. What are the new recommendations? ACIP recommends that both PCV13 and PPSV23 be given in series to adults aged ≥65 years. A dose of PCV13 should be given first followed by a dose of PPSV23 at least 1 year later to immunocompetent adults aged ≥65 years. The two vaccines should not be co-administered. If a dose of PPSV23 is inadvertently given earlier than the recommended interval, the dose need not be repeated.Read the full-text article to access the complete recommendations; a PDF version of the entire issue is also available.

CDC Releases Updated Vaccine Storage and Handling Toolkit Along with Additional New Resources

ICDC's Vaccine Storage and Handling Toolkit web page for healthcare professionals now contains a link to the newly updated and redesigned Vaccine Storage and Handling Toolkit PDF guide for 2016. The new Vaccine Storage and Handling Toolkit reflects best practices for vaccine storage and handling from Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices recommendations, product information from vaccine manufacturers, and scientific studies.

The 2016 Vaccine Storage and Handling Toolkit reflects an adjustment in CDC’s guidance on the Fahrenheit temperature range for storing refrigerated vaccines. The new recommended Fahrenheit temperature range is 36°F–46°F (previously 35°F–46°F). The Celsius temperature range (2°C–8°C) remains unchanged, as stated in all manufacturer package inserts for routinely recommended vaccines. CDC has published a question and answer document titled Adjustment to CDC’s Recommended Fahrenheit Temperature Range for Refrigerated Vaccine Storage that explains the rationale behind this decision and practical information on implementing this new standard.

The 2016 Toolkit has a new design to help healthcare providers find the information they need quickly and easily. The beginning chapters address the three main elements of an effective cold chain: a well-trained staff, reliable storage and temperature monitoring equipment, and accurate vaccine inventory management. The remaining chapters focus on emergency management of vaccine and developing standard operating procedures for routine and emergency storage and handling.

Draft Immunization Protocols

OPA annually drafts immunization protocols in compliance with the Ohio State Board of Pharmacy’s rules. Updated protocols for 2015 are now available. Use the following link to purchase the protocol package: Immunization Protocol Package form

HealthMap Vaccine Finder

HealthMap Vaccine Finder (http://flushot.healthmap.org) is a free, online service where users can search for locations offering flu vaccines, as well as other adult vaccines. This service partners with clinics, pharmacies, and health departments to provide accurate and up-to-date information about receiving the flu vaccine.

In 2012, Google passed the baton to HealthMap when it retired GoogleFlu Vaccine Finder. If you previously provided data to Google Flu Vaccine Finder and would like to still be included in the list of vaccine providers, you will need to register and upload your location data to HealthMap.

Additional Updates:

Vaccine Information Statements (VISs)The latest VISs can be obtained from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention at www.cdc.gov/vaccines/pubs/vis/default.htm. VISs are not updated annually or on any other routine schedule. An updated VIS with a new date is posted when there is a change in recommendations.

The Quick Reference Information:Medicare Immunization Billing chart is now available in hardcopy or as a download from the Medicare Learning Network. This chart gives Medicare fee-for-service physicians, providers, suppliers, and other health care professionals quick information to assist with filing claims for influenza, Pneumococcal Polysaccharide (PPV), and Hepatitis B (HBV) vaccines and their administration. To download, view and print the chart, click on the following link:http://www.cms.gov/Outreach-and-Education/Medicare-Learning-Network-MLN/MLNProducts/Downloads/qr_immun_bill.pdf

Medicaid Payment for Influenza Vaccine Administration at the PharmacyMedicaid will pay pharmacies for administration of seasonal influenza vaccine for dates of service October 1 through May 31 each year. Payment for influenza vaccine administration will be made to pharmacies only for Medicaid consumers who do not reside in a long-term care facility (LTCF). The updated ODJFS flu shot document with complete details for this year will be available here.